Hello everyone and thank you in advance!

I just purchased a used setup from a local architect that needs some reassembly and updates to get it going. It is a beast with a working area 22" wide and 8.5' long. The table is framed with 2"x2" square tubular steel as well as the gantry. I need a new bed, I'm thinking MDF but was hoping for advice on that as well as what bit I need to level it.

The electronics that came with it consist of:
3x Stepper Motors (WT86STH118-6004A http://www.wantmotor.com/product/WT86STH_EN.html)
3x Stepper Motor Drivers (DQ860MA DQ860MA)
3x Power Supplies 60v 6 AMP

It came with an old PC running mach 3 software. I live in an area that gets a lot of power outages and would like to go with a dedicated controller with non volatile memory so a job can pick back up after a power outage. I'm curious about your thoughts on using a PC vs. a controller and if anyone can recommend a standalone controller.

I am new to CNC, but have years of professional electronics, programming and IT experience. I also have been 3D printing for four or five years and have an engineering degree.

Thanks,
Carl